Suggestions Needed For Logging/Mining Steam Loco - N Scale


fmjnax

New Member
I am working on designing a small N-scale, c55 layout centered around logging and/or mining. I know I want it to be set in the steam loco period, nothing glitzy about it, and I know that in order to carry out my vision, I am going to need to use less-than-ideal radii (mostly 10", but possibly in the 9" range). I don't plan on running more than 2-3 cars and I know I am going to need to be as short as possible.

My problem/question is that I don't quite know what would work on such tight turns and still look semi-proto. I'm thinking an 0-6-0 switcher, but I'm not really sure.

When I was browsing around for ideas, I came across this image and it's pretty close to my vision but I have yet to find anything in N-scale that is even close to it.
steam-train-P.jpeg
 
I am working on designing a small N-scale, c55 layout centered around logging and/or mining. I know I want it to be set in the steam loco period, nothing glitzy about it, and I know that in order to carry out my vision, I am going to need to use less-than-ideal radii (mostly 10", but possibly in the 9" range). I don't plan on running more than 2-3 cars and I know I am going to need to be as short as possible.

My problem/question is that I don't quite know what would work on such tight turns and still look semi-proto. I'm thinking an 0-6-0 switcher, but I'm not really sure.

When I was browsing around for ideas, I came across this image and it's pretty close to my vision but I have yet to find anything in N-scale that is even close to it.
That is because that is a narrow gauge locomotive. In N-scale it would not run on normal N-scale track, but probably Z-scale track. And I am pretty certain no one has manufactured any Nn30 equipment.

If you want to move to HO scale, this loco and those cars have been produced for years. They are HOn30. In that case it WOULD run on N-scale track. http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=258928
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=258937

The original mini-trains are rare even on e-bay. Right now the only thing I can find is one of the diesel locos:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PERFECT-RUN...553?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4198fd5d41
 
Well darn, that does change things slightly for me then. I can (and will) still build around the 0-6-0, but it's going to take a bit of tweaking. Is there anything "smaller" than 0-6-0 readily available in N, or is that about it?
 
That is because that is a narrow gauge locomotive. In N-scale it would not run on normal N-scale track, but probably Z-scale track. And I am pretty certain no one has manufactured any Nn30 equipment.

If you want to move to HO scale, this loco and those cars have been produced for years. They are HOn30. In that case it WOULD run on N-scale track. http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=258928
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=258937

The original mini-trains are rare even on e-bay. Right now the only thing I can find is one of the diesel locos:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/PERFECT-RUN...553?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4198fd5d41

By the way - I am pretty certain these trains would go around 7 3/4" radius curves without issue.
 
Well darn, that does change things slightly for me then. I can (and will) still build around the 0-6-0, but it's going to take a bit of tweaking. Is there anything "smaller" than 0-6-0 readily available in N, or is that about it?
Atlas has announced a "logging / mining" 2 truck Shay, supposedly available in spring 2016.

In the 1970s Atlas made an 0-4-0 switcher. I used one for a mine goat.
 



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